TAMPA – It’s one thing for owners to have a little back-and-forth like John Henry and Hank Steinbrenner did recently in regard to Red Sox Nation vs. Yankees Universe. It’s another for a young player to take a shot at an owner.

That’s what Jonathan Papelbon, 27, did in criticizing Steinbrenner.

“I don’t know if he’s trying to stir things up or not,” the Bosox closer said. “I sure as hell don’t care, because he sure as hell hasn’t stepped on a baseball field. He needs to just stick to pencil-pushing, I guess.”

Hammerin’ Hank fired back yesterday.

“Being insulted by Papelbon is like being attacked by a mouse,” Steinbrenner told The Post.

“John Henry and I traded a couple of jabs good-naturedly,” he added. “So now, all of a sudden, this player, this 20-something kid who really doesn’t know his way in the world, comes out with a personal insult. There’s no excuse for that.”

When was the last time you saw Derek Jeter criticize an owner? Steinbrenner did add that Papelbon “is one great pitcher.” And he’d love to have him on his team.

“It was nothing personal against John [Henry], nothing personal against Larry [Lucchino], nothing personal against [Terry] Francona, nothing personal against the team or the fans,” Steinbrenner said. “It was just a general comment that is the truth. I respect the Red Sox and their fans, but the Yankees are the most popular team in American sports. Ask Jerry Jones in Dallas, he’ll tell you that. That’s why they want to do business with us. So it’s just a fact.”

America’s Team and Yankees Universe, that’s interesting.

“I really TAMPA – It’s one thing for owners to have a little back-and-forth like John Henry and Hank Steinbrenner did recently in regard to Red Sox Nation vs. Yankees Universe. It’s another for a young player to take a shot at an owner.

That’s what Jonathan Papelbon, 27, did in criticizing Steinbrenner.

“I don’t know if he’s trying to stir things up or not,” the Bosox closer said. “I sure as hell don’t care, because he sure as hell hasn’t stepped on a baseball field. He needs to just stick to pencil-pushing, I guess.”

Hammerin’ Hank fired back yesterday.

“Being insulted by Papelbon is like being attacked by a mouse,” Steinbrenner told The Post.

“John Henry and I traded a couple of jabs good-naturedly,” he added. “So now, all of a sudden, this player, this 20-something kid who really doesn’t know his way in the world, comes out with a personal insult. There’s no excuse for that.”

When was the last time you saw Derek Jeter criticize an owner? Steinbrenner did add that Papelbon “is one great pitcher.” And he’d love to have him on his team.

“It was nothing personal against John [Henry], nothing personal against Larry [Lucchino], nothing personal against [Terry] Francona, nothing personal against the team or the fans,” Steinbrenner said. “It was just a general comment that is the truth. I respect the Red Sox and their fans, but the Yankees are the most popular team in American sports. Ask Jerry Jones in Dallas, he’ll tell you that. That’s why they want to do business with us. So it’s just a fact.”

America’s Team and Yankees Universe, that’s interesting.

“I really have nothing more to say about the Red Sox the entire season,” he said. “We’ve covered that ground and, basically, I’m tired of talking about them.”

And he’s not going to worry about being attacked by a mouse.

have nothing more to say about the Red Sox the entire season,” he said. “We’ve covered that ground and, basically, I’m tired of talking about them.”